We have been hearing from St Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians these past two weeks in our Daily Mass readings. Many biblical scholars believe that this is the earliest St Paul’s letters in the New Testament, dating from around the year 51. Thessalonica was an important port city in Greece, and today it is the second largest city in the country of Greece, with a population of around 1 million today. St Paul had to leave this city abruptly after teaching the converts from pagan religions there, so this letter provides them encouragement and teachings as they continue their challenging journey of faith in a world that was still very hostile to the way of Jesus.
At the end of today’s reading, St Paul notes that because God did not destine us for wrath, but rather for salvation through his Son, he wants us to encourage one another and to build each other up. St Paul sees the Thessalonian faith community doing just that. I am edified by the way I see our parish members building each other up and welcoming people into our community. May we all continue helping each other as we journey together as a community of believers.
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